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Pizza Ala Roma III: Neapolitan Pizza in Columbia's Five Points

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Pizza Ala Roma III serves and where to find it

Pizza Ala Roma III is a Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, located at 2006 Greene Street. The restaurant specializes in thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas made with imported Italian ingredients and traditional techniques. The space is casual and welcoming, with a focus on the pizza itself rather than elaborate decor.

The menu centers on classic Neapolitan pies—Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, and variations with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and seasonal vegetables. Beyond pizza, they serve Italian antipasti, salads, and a small selection of pasta dishes. The bar offers wine, beer, and Italian sodas. Hours and current specials are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking their social media, as restaurant schedules shift seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • Pizza Ala Roma III uses a wood-fired oven and imported Italian ingredients to make authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.
  • The restaurant is located at 2006 Greene Street in Five Points, Columbia's walkable arts and dining district.
  • Beyond pizza, the menu includes Italian antipasti, salads, and pasta, with wine and beer available.
  • The casual atmosphere and neighborhood location make it a good stop for a meal while exploring Five Points galleries, shops, and other restaurants.

Five Points location and neighborhood context

Five Points is one of Columbia's oldest and most active neighborhoods, centered around the intersection of Greene, Harden, and Devine Streets. The area has been revitalized over the past two decades and now hosts independent restaurants, galleries, vintage shops, and music venues alongside residential streets with historic homes. Pizza Ala Roma III sits within easy walking distance of other dining options, making it part of a larger food and entertainment corridor.

Parking is street-level throughout Five Points, and the neighborhood is compact enough to walk between venues. The area draws both locals and visitors, especially on weekends. If you are planning an evening in Five Points, you can combine a meal at Pizza Ala Roma III with browsing nearby galleries or catching live music at one of the neighborhood's music venues.

Wood-fired oven and cooking method

The wood-fired oven is central to Neapolitan pizza-making and defines the texture and flavor of the crust. At high temperatures—typically between 800 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit—the dough cooks in 60 to 90 seconds, creating a thin, slightly charred crust with a soft interior. This speed and heat also cause the toppings to cook quickly, preserving the brightness of fresh ingredients like basil and tomato.

Pizza Ala Roma III's use of a wood-fired oven means the pizzas will have the characteristic leopard-spotted crust and slightly smoky flavor that distinguishes Neapolitan pizza from other American pizza styles. The oven also limits the number of pizzas that can cook at once, so service may be slower during peak hours—a trade-off for the quality of the finished product.

Menu highlights and ingredient sourcing

The Margherita pizza—tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil on a thin crust—is the benchmark for any Neapolitan pizzeria and worth ordering to gauge the restaurant's commitment to simplicity and ingredient quality. Quattro Formaggi combines four cheeses and is richer and less acidic than tomato-based pies. Pizzas with prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele offer a salty, delicate contrast to the soft cheese and crust.

The use of imported Italian ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and cured meats from specific regions—is typical of restaurants serious about Neapolitan authenticity. These ingredients cost more than domestic alternatives, which is reflected in the price of the pizzas. The antipasti menu often features imported cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables, allowing you to sample Italian products without committing to a full pizza.

Dining experience and atmosphere

Pizza Ala Roma III maintains a straightforward, unpretentious atmosphere. The focus is on the food rather than table service or elaborate plating. Seating is typically at tables or a counter, and the pace is relaxed. This is a place to linger over a pizza and a glass of wine, not to rush through a meal.

The restaurant draws a mix of Five Points regulars, families, and people exploring the neighborhood. Because it is a pizzeria rather than a full-service restaurant, the ordering process is simpler—you order at the counter or from a server, and food arrives when it is ready. The casual setup makes it easy to dine alone or in a group.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

Neapolitan pizzas made with imported ingredients and wood-fired ovens typically cost more than chain pizza or thin-crust pizza from other local restaurants. Individual pizzas at Pizza Ala Roma III are priced accordingly, though the exact cost varies by toppings and current ingredient costs. A single pizza usually feeds one to two people, depending on appetite and whether you order sides.

Antipasti, salads, and pasta dishes add to the bill but allow you to share and sample multiple things. Wine and beer are available at typical restaurant markups. If you are budget-conscious, ordering one pizza to share and splitting an antipasto plate is a common approach. Calling ahead to ask about current prices and any specials can help you plan your meal.

Visiting Five Points beyond Pizza Ala Roma III

Five Points is worth exploring on foot. The neighborhood includes independent galleries showing local and regional art, vintage and antique shops, a used bookstore, and several bars and music venues. The streetscape changes seasonally, with outdoor seating appearing at restaurants during warmer months and holiday decorations in December.

If you are visiting Pizza Ala Roma III on a weekend evening, you might combine it with live music at one of the nearby venues or a walk through the neighborhood to see what galleries or shops are open. The area is safest and most active during daylight and evening hours; late-night foot traffic is lighter. Checking what events or gallery openings are happening in Five Points before you visit can help you plan a fuller evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation at Pizza Ala Roma III?

Pizzerias typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though calling ahead to ask about wait times during peak hours is reasonable. If you are planning a large group, calling to give notice is a good idea. Weekend evenings are busier than weekday lunches.

Can I order pizza to go?

Most pizzerias offer takeout, though wood-fired pizzas are best eaten fresh and warm. If you are ordering to go, ask how long the pizza will hold and whether they box it in a way that keeps the crust from steaming and becoming soggy during transport.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Call the restaurant directly to discuss your needs. Pizzerias can usually accommodate vegetarian orders easily, and many can make gluten-free crust if they have it on hand. Nut allergies and other serious allergies require a direct conversation with the kitchen.

Is Five Points walkable from downtown Columbia?

Five Points is about a mile from downtown Columbia's main business district. Walking is possible but takes 15 to 20 minutes. Driving or using a rideshare is more common, though some people bike between the two areas.

What is the difference between Neapolitan pizza and other pizza styles?

Neapolitan pizza has a thin, soft crust cooked quickly in a very hot wood-fired oven, resulting in a slightly charred exterior and tender interior. The toppings are minimal and high-quality. American-style pizza typically has a thicker crust, more toppings, and is cooked at lower temperatures in a conventional oven.